The Cornish Cream Tea Summer

The Cornish Cream Tea Novels #2

by Cressida McLaughlin

‘Captivating’ Heat Magazine‘Beautiful… heartwarming’ Zara Stoneley‘A wonderful ray of reading sunshine’ Heidi SwainCharlie has a new helper on her bus, her free-spirited and loveable cousin, Delilah, who’s paid a visit to the charming Cornish village of Porthgolow and is helping out on Charlie’s adorable cream tea bus.When the Director of a new TV series filming further along the coast tells Delilah that the bus would be the perfect addition to their onsite catering, she takes him a bit too literally. Charlie and Delilah find themselves caught up in the filming of a lavish period drama and it isn’t long before Delilah finds herself drawn to the handsome male lead.But Delilah has made a habit of making rash decisions and it’s one of the reasons she’s hiding out in Cornwall. Could this be one impulsive step too far, or is a change of direction the start of something quite unexpected…

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit, Summer, Audiobook, British Literature, Summer Reads

396 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2020

About the author

I grew up in London surrounded by books and with a cat named after Lawrence of Arabia. I studied English Literature at the University of East Anglia and live in Norwich with my husband David.

I'm a total book nerd and my TBR pile is out of control. I would quite like to be a ghost hunter, and I'm a huge fan of a fictional hero.

When I'm not writing, I spend my spare time reading, returning to London or exploring the beautiful Norfolk coastline.

I love hearing from readers, so please get in touch if you have a question or if you just want to say hello.

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the Cream Tea bus series and this is the first part in a new series featuring the delightful double decker café that tours round Cornwall and attends food festivals.
There is a new setting for this series which I really enjoyed and could picture the settings as a mix between Poldark and the Regency scene in Notting Hill.
We went for a meal on a Double Decker bus at Christmas and all the lovely images from this book were in my head whilst we were eating.
Delilah is Charlies cousin and she invites herself to stay after a disastrous time in London. You do wonder what disasters Lila might leave in her trail. I can't wait to get the next book in this series and see what adventures are in store.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous read from this series. I just love these. The setting is in one of my favourite places, Cornwall and I just love the story. Can’t wait to read more in this series.

[Lisa M · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me this wasn't a patch on its predecessor but still a nice easy, lightweight, summery read.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treat it has been to return to Porthgolow . All the familiar faces are there, the scenery is a stunning as ever and of course Gertie is back.

Gotta love Gertie, the double decker bus from which Charlie serves her cream teas. Although in this book we don't just get cream teas, we also get a huge amount of coffee too!

What Charlie wasn't expecting was a surprise visitor in the shape of her cousin Lila. Lila is full of beans, knows her coffee and instantly manages to get Gertie onto the set of a new BBC period drama.

I loved everyone in the set, and even more so loved the various things Lila was able to get up to, amongst new friends. There is never a dull moment around Lila, but she also has a lot of growth to do, as she has had a bit of a rocky road before her arrival in Cornwall that is affecting her own self belief.

Originally published in four parts, I couldn't help but be self raising a smile at the individual parts names, all of which were amusing baking puns!

I could barely put the book down, i was enjoying it so much and can't wait to read the Christmas instalment.

Porthgolow has one again worked its magic on not only Lila but my heart too.

Thank you to Harper Collins and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Rea Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

When my copy of The Cornish Cream Tea Summer pinged it’s way onto my kindle I had a grin like a Cheshire Cat on my face at the thought of returning to Gertie and her delights in the luring setting of Porthgolow


Lila has caused a whirlwind of disaster with nothing keeping her in London her mum suggests she takes some time out and goes to spend some time with her cousin Charlie in Porthgolo
Not one to sit around Lila gets involved ( maybe a little too involved) in helping Charlie on the unique bus of delights and lands Gertie a new job on a production set.

Oh this novel was all I hoped for and more. It was like revisiting a much loved holiday destination and reuniting with friends rather than looking back at a novel. There is something about that Cream Tea Bus that has just got me hook, line and sinker! I loved that Charlie and Gertie were still a big part of this storyline rather than just a mere glimpse at how they are doing, as well as many of the memorable locals like lovable little Jonah making an appearance. Lila was a flawed character who unintentionally seemed to cause problems but yet I loved her character and at times I just wanted to shake her.

I’m not one who enjoys novels set around actors, actresses and film sets as I don’t find the razzmatazz of it all enjoyable to read but I have to say this storyline worked well, it is helped by the fact all the actors seemed down to Earth with not all the diva attitude going on.

This book needs to come with a big red warning, because not only are the mouthwatering cream teas going to get you drooling but there are so many other delicious delights to tease us from raspberry doughnuts to passion fruit cheese cakes and all washed down with an array of signature coffees I think I consumed a years worth of calories just through touching the pages!

I can not recommend this book enough if you are looking for an upbeat cheery read of new beginnings, romance and diet sabotage! I really hope we will be revisiting the Cream Tea Bus in another book because it has become my new addiction.

[Catherine Craig (Angelic Light) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely summer book set in Cornwall was so wonderful. I really enjoyed reading about Charlie and her cousin Delilah as they worked on the cream tea bus, Gertie.

The Director of a tv series wants Gertie on his set while they film a period drama and Delilah ends up fancying one of the actors. Will she be able to get close to him?

I really liked the characters of this book, of which there were many, each with different personalities which were interesting. I also liked the setting of the book, and the wonderful descriptions of the scenery and activities.

This is the perfect, cosy, summer read, and it will take you on a pleasant and fun adventure, while you are relaxing on your holidays, or taking some time out at home. Highly recommended!

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...

Charlie’s character from book one made the first story really enjoyable, of course it was always helped with the faithful bus, Gertie! Therefore, I was naturally surprised and disappointed that her character became more of a supporting role, with the feisty Delilah taking centre stage. What made things more difficult, was that it took me quite a while to like this frustrating character.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book much more than the previous one in the series. The storyline was much better and the characters were much more interesting. It flowed a lot better which made it easier to get into the plot. I did take one star off due to not liking the Clara character. I thought she was selfish, spoilt, and entitled. I just wanted her to sod off as she was interfering too much.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad i borrowed this from a work colleague Kim. it's been a very quick and lovely read in between work and sleeping .I had recently read another book of this author's and was raving about it to Kim and it resulted in us swapping the two books.
When free-spirited Delilah a.k.a Lila turns up in to her cousin Charlie , you know there's more to her visit than being on holiday . Lana is a bundle of energy , at times creating chaos but you can't help but love her as she brings new energy to Porthgolow .
I really enjoyed the setting of her adventures with the cornish cream tea bus Gertie at the film site for the tv series. There were some very intriguing characters in the book , especially Sam and Clara . The undercurrent feeling of a lost friendship worked well into the story , and i felt for Lila so much as she tried to resolve it with Clara . Cressida McLaughlin knows how to make characters emotive and have you caring for them .
Sam , however was so lovely - almost perfect and i liked him and Lila together and was happy for their ending .
This book amused me a lot , and i enjoyed the scenic descriptions of Porthgolow ( inspired by my home village of Portreath )- it felt cosy to read about the Cornish setting again, like i was greeting an old friend.
One of my favourite characters was Myrtle and her spiky character and reactions to Lila - she had me smiling so much . I hope we see more of her and maybe in bigger amounts , such an intriguing character.
And then there was marmite the dog, he just sounded so adorable and i could picture him very easily .

[mrsljgibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cornish Cream Tea Summer is book number two from the Cornish Cream Tea series and I am so glad that there are quite a few more in the series left for me to read!!

I absolutely loved everything about this book and was left with a very warm glow, it was definitely a purely escapist read.

The setting of this book was beautiful and as i read through this story i became totally immersed in all the Cornish goodness. While i was reading i always wanted to go and take Marmite for a walk along the beach and stop off for a cream tea afterwards!!!

I loved all the characters and there are quite a few and they all add a little something to the overall story.

The two main love interests, Lila and Sam were two wonderful people and whenever they were together the chemistry was top notch.

We also get a glimpse of some of the previous books characters, especially Charlie and Daniel and I loved getting to catch-up with their story.

Overall, it was an amazing,atmospheric, heartwarming, romantic story and i loved becoming engrossed in Gertie’s yummy goodness…….

[Dreximgirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 very cute story but i feel our mfc needs help to work on her self doubt to be truly happy

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and look forward to the third one of the series

[Abi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie’s free-spirited cousin, Delilah, has arrived in Porthgolow and is determined to lend a hand on Gertie, the cream tea bus.

When Delilah is left at the helm one day, and the Director of a new TV series being filmed in Cornwall comes aboard claiming Gertie would be the perfect addition to the set’s onsite catering, Delilah and Charlie find themselves swept up in the filming of the lavish period drama.

It isn’t long before Delilah finds herself drawn to the handsome male lead, but making rash decisions is a bad habit Lila’s trying to break. Will this be one impulsive decision too far, or a step in the right direction?

It is so wonderful to be back aboard Gertie, the cream tea bus, and touring the sensational sights of my home county, Cornwall. As I’ve said before, and in my review for the previous book in this series, I love how McLaughlin portrays Cornwall. It might be because I live locally and therefore know the area well, but it really adds to my enjoyment that she uses real places alongside the fictional Porthgolow. The beautifully written descriptions of the scenery really brings the story to life, and I’m sure will inspire a few people to visit.

When I began reading, I wasn’t too sure how I felt about Lila but after only a few chapters I found myself embracing her haphazard approach to life and really rooting for her. I think her character development was handled very subtly, but her growth was tangible throughout.

With the new instalment comes a new set of characters, this time in the form of the TV cast and crew. Although, not all of them had a huge part to play in the main storyline, each added a certain sparkle. I especially liked Bert, the true thespian and old-hand actor, as he provided comedic value through his experience and witty one-liners.

However, the real reason I have such a fondness for series’ in this genre is the returning to past characters, like revisiting old friends. This one includes a particularly eclectic set of personalties, and some of the villagers really crack me up, especially Myrtle with her busybody ways and cutting comments.

Although this book would work perfectly well as a stand alone, I would highly recommend starting at the beginning. This is an effortlessly enjoyable read, full of relatable characters and delicious descriptions that will have you packing up the car and heading for Cornwall, and I couldn’t be more excited to find out what adventures are in store for Gertie at Christmas.


For more reviews, please visit: https://twiabblog.wixsite.com/theworl...

* Thanks to HarperCollins UK, via NetGalley, for this ARC *

[Joanne D'Arcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted a second book, a sequel, a follow on to the Cornish Cream Tea Bus and I have got it in abundance with story. 

Charlie now settled into her way of life in Cornwall serving the best cream teas in the area and with the added bonus of being able to also provide tours of the local area as you drink in not just the views but the tea as well.

Of course nothing runs smoothly and when Charlie's cousin, Delilah descends on to Porthoglow and straight into life with Charlie and life on the bus it seems that the perfect existence might be a but unsettled for a while. 

Delilah is running from something, but it seems to follow her all the time. Delilah likes to become all consuming involved in things and when she signs up the Cornish Cream Tea Bus to be part of on site catering for a new period drama then there is bound to be a few issues. Especially when she doesn't check with Charlie first!

But Charlie gives her a chance and along with her rather interesting coffee concoctions, she feels safe to leave Delilah alone on the bus whilst she goes away. 

Surely nothing can go wrong?

In the midst of he glitz and the glamour of working on a tv set, it seems Delilah has had her head turned and she may have inadvertently found her niche in life where she was least expecting it. 

What she also didn't expect to find was love?

These things don't happen to Delilah it will all end in disaster, so Delilah needs to react quickly. Are her actions the right ones and can she really find the thing she has been hiding from all these years?

This is another mouth watering tale from Cressida who writes such honest and warm books filled with delightful characters and delicious food. There has to be more to tell from this bus and the lovely characters created in this and the first novel and I am thrilled that there is to be a sequel.

[Sharon Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

have just finished this gorgeous book thanks to @netgalley for a #giftedkindlecopy. This is book 2 in the series and was just as magical as the first. We are again back in porthgolow we're we first meet Charlie who had been left a big double decker bus by her uncle Hal she turns this into the Cornish cream tea bus. Now we get to meet Her cousin Delilah or Lila who has not had the best luck in London she lost her best friend Clara her job and they didn't speak to each other for a few months. So on her mum's suggestion she goes to stay with her cousin Charlie who had made something of herself.

Along the journey while she is in Cornwall she manages to get the Cornish tea bus signed up to be a catering vehicle for a movie set and she manages to fall for one of the stars.

Can she make it up with Clara, can she persuade Charlie that doing the catering bus would be a good business thing and what happens when she gets left alone in Charlie's house and running her buisness for a month while Charlie is in San Francisco with her boyfriend Daniel. And can she see a future with Sam the actor?

📚I absolutely loved the first book and this book did not disappoint there are quite a few laugh out loud moments and You just know that Lilas heart is in the right place even though trouble seems to follow her. The characters become like old friends and I can not wait to see what happens next on the Cornish tea bus.

Would highly recommend for an easy read

[Susanne Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book to escape into. The stunning views and scenery are brought to life perfectly.

I loved visiting Charlie and Daniel again and meeting Lila and Sam and the film crew was amazing. Lila was a very real and honest character and I felt I could identify with her, even the happiest and strongest looking people can easily have their confidence shaken and need a helping hand back. Sam was the perfect leading man and I loved how he balanced Lila. Seeing Gertie again was great and loved all the changes and additions added along the way. This is a brilliant book and I really hope there will be more

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the second book in The Cornish Cream Tea series. In my opinion this could be read as a Standalone book, as this book has a new main character Lila as well as a new location and a whole cast of new characters. The first book is so good though, so I do recommend reading it first.
Lila is Charlie's cousin,who is looking after Gertie. Charlie and the residents of Porthgolow also feature heavily in this book. It is always good to catch up with characters from previous books.
This book has a completely different feel to it than the first book, due to the plot and the setting. Gertie and cream teas are still at the heart of the book though, and the location is still in Cornwall. It was still recognisable as a sequel, and I found it to be a very enjoyable and engaging read.
At first I did not warm to Lila, as she was too impulsive, but as the book progresses my opinion of her changes, and at times I thought that she was unfairly treated.
This is the perfect feel good Summer read, and a good escapism at a time when we can't visit as many places, or go on holiday. The storyline was good, and I found it very interesting to read about the filming. It is very well written, and despite the fact that it was originally written as a 4 part series, it flows very well.
I immensely enjoyed reading this book, and I highly recommend it. It is such a lovely heartwarming read.
The descriptions of coffee and cakes made me very hungry. I wished that the coffee shops were open, so that I could buy a latte to drink while I was reading this wonderful book. I did have cake though, which was good, as this book made me crave a cream tea. It would be great if Gertie was real and I could visit her the next time that I visit Cornwall.
I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series, which is a Christmas book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my copy of this book

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's lovely to be back with Charlie and her Cornish Cream Tea Bus. This time her cousin Lila is running from her imploded life in London. Charlie and Lila are close but have very different personalities. Impulsive Lila soon ruffles Charlie's organised life with the best of intentions. A contract with a film company on location challenges Lila's career plans and her emotional future. Meeting the actors and film crew engages Lila and draws her into a glamorous world. It has an intrinsic interest and is so enjoyable for the reader too.

The romance between Lila and Sam is lovely understated but powerful. It tugs on the heartstrings when circumstances and misunderstandings pull them apart. There are some sublimely romantic scenes balanced with many equally humorous ones. The best friend drama is an added conflict. I have to admit I am firmly in Team Lila who undergoes significant positive character development in this story.

The beautiful setting believable characters and engaging plot make this an enjoyable, effortless read.

I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins UK -Harper Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely return trip to Cornwall for the Cornish Cream Tea series and the new characters were introduced well and convincing. As before, the setting comes alive and you can really visualise the countryside – and the delicious food! Lila’s impetuous character is a good foil for the conscientious Charlie. The drama around the drama was a nice touch. There is a lot of potential in the series for more.
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of the book

[Rona Nimmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cornish Cream Tea Summer by Cressida McLaughlin.


The book follows the life of Delila after one major disaster after another. Having had a major bust up with her best friend since end up in both of them losing their jobs. Lila leaves London and goes to stay with cousin Charlie and work on her extremely successful Cornish Cream Tea Bus. It follows them on a journey through the summer Lila wins them a gig for the bus doing refreshments for a film crew and actors on set whilst a costume drama series for the BBC is filmed. At first Charlie is mad at Lila for overstepping herself but then warms to the ideas and what a success!

What a story having read part 1 separately I then got the chance to read the whole story and what a story was a little to start but do stick with it fabulous characters scenery you think you are in Cornwall and it is not with out its drama! Loved it ! So sorry when it ended . Please say there will be another book about the characters! It has such potential! Beautifully written. Even with a slow start a well deserved

[Lisa Whittaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great being back in Porthgolow and catching up with all the characters from the first book and meeting new ones. I couldn’t put this book down! Really hope there’s another book in this series.

I just loved it!

A definite 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 from me!

[Emmalucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this second instalment of the Cornish Cream Tea Series. I liked how the focus moved away from Charlie and Daniel but their story was still central. The character of Delilah you couldn’t help but warm to. As always, now I want to eat a delicious cream tea!

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cake. Coffee and more cake. What more could you want? Build up to the ending made me cringe a little but I enjoyed this next instalment of this series

[Stephanie Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply lovely!

[Clare Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

This is the second book in the Cornish cream tea bus series. It focuses on Lila, Charlie’s cousin who leaves London after she falls out with her best friend. She wants to start afresh and put the past behind her. Lila meets a tv series director and offers the cream tea bus to him as part of the catering team without Charlie’s permission. Can she persuade Charlie to go ahead with the contract and if she does can they make it a success.

A great follow up book to the first one, absolutely loved the book and its ending.

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Cornish Cream Tea Bus, so I was very happy to receive a free copy of this book from NetGalley. I think I enjoyed it even more than the previous one!

This story focuses on Delilah (aka Lila), who is Charlie’s cousin, and joins her on the Cream Tea Bus when everything falls apart in London. I really loved all the characters in this book, they were all individuals. It was great seeing favourites from the previous book, as well as the new characters. I thought the character development was really excellent - Lila started off as very irresponsible, but she learned from her mistakes, and by the end of the story, has become far more responsible, without losing the enthusiasm that makes her special. I very much enjoyed the subplot with Keeley too.

I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun summer romance, set in a beautiful place.

I was given a free copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book full of romance, film, Cornwall and the Cornish Cream Tea Bus. What more could you want in a book.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow all I can say is that Cressida McLaughlin has done it again. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it didn’t disappoint.

It was lovely to catch up with Charlie and some of the other old characters abs meet new ones.

It was lovely to go back to the Cornish village of Porthgolow and return to the Cornish Cream Tea Bus.

I thoroughly recommend this book. It’s a real page turner and I can’t wait for Cressida’s next book to come out.

[Mandy Marr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good, not the usual or just what expect from title - a bit different and made me want to keep reading. Glad I've got the next in the set

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book #2 of the Cornish Cream Tea series, and we are back in the pretty little village of Porthgolow. This book focuses on Delilah, or Lila as she’s affectionately known. Lila has come down to Cornwall to visit her cousin, Charlie who runs the Cornish Cream Tea Bus, following a major disaster at work which broke up her friendship with her best friend, Clara. Lila, in the nicest possible way, is a little bit of a liability thanks to her impulsiveness and I must admit that it took me a little while to warm up to her. You certainly can’t knock Lila’s enthusiasm though and her loveliness did eventually shine out through the pages as the book moves on.

It was a delight to be back with Charlie on Gertie, the old London bus turned café. Charlie helps her cousin out by giving her a place to stay and a job working on the bus, and before we know it Lila has secured Gertie a place as a catering bus on a set filming a period drama nearby! This made such a change from holidaymakers visiting Gertie for a cream tea, and it was lovely to be amongst all the crew and cast. Lila is a definite hit with them all, and she also throws herself into speciality of coffee making and some of the different blends, beans and syrups sounded wonderful – that’s not forgetting, of course, to mention all the tasty treats served upon the bus!

Most of the residents of Porthgolow, who we met in the previous book, are back in this story, and it was lovely to see them all again. They do all take a back seat though as this is Lila’s story, and we get to know Lila well as her story progresses! Of course, there is a romantic interest for her but as Lila’s life never runs smoothly why would we expect her love-life too?! It was fun to watch Lila make some mistakes and then grow up and learn from them, and whilst I didn’t take to her at the beginning, by the end of the book I was rooting for her and hoping she got her happy ever after!

The book was as light-hearted, easy to read and delightful as I expected when I opened the first page! It was fun, breezy, full of warmth and I loved the relationships between all the characters. It showed perfectly the love and friendships between family and friends. The location was, yet again, so tempting and I could visualise myself sat on the top deck of Gertie, drinking my caramel latte, eating my cream scone and looking out over the blue seas and golden sands of Cornwell’s beaches! I’m now off to start on book #3 to see what that has to offer!! Would recommend!